I like the American Racing Torque Thrust look. I'm not into the 17/18" look, so what size rims (please include the back spacing if you know) and tires? The front has 2" drop spindles, and the rear has 1" lower springs.I'm open to either all the same size, or fat in da back. Thanks for any help.

Frank,

The rear rim width should be either a 7" with 4.5" backspacing or an 8" with 5" backspacing to place it in the center of the wheel well. I have 255/45R17 tires on 17X8 with 5" bs rims. I have 1" clearance on the outside without rolling the wheel lip and 3/4" on the inside. Excellent fit on rear. 15"s with the same bs will fit as well, keep the overall diameter the same as my 17" tire setup.

You might be able to run 275s but you would need to roll the wheel lip and you might have rubbing problems when cornering.

These measurements are based on having the stock width original 64-67 axle. If you have a later 68 and up axle, you need to adjust for the extra width on these axles. I recommend you take care of your rear suspension bushings to prevent a loose or sloppy suspension from ruining new rims and tires.

The front rim width should be a 7" with 4.5" backspacing. I have 8" with 5" backspacing, but if I did it over, I would go with the 7" width. The tire is close to the outside edge of the wheelhouse, the 7" would bring it 0.5" inward away from the outside edge. I have 235/45R17 tires on the 17X8 with 5" bs rims. I have rubbing when the wheel is pushed up into the wheelwell at full turn lock, such as when backing out of the driveway. I have 1" lowering springs on the front so this alos contributes to the rubbing. I have no rubbing problems under normal driving conditions. Same applies here for the 15" size.


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Brian TC#1092, ACES#4374
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1964 Malibu SS Convertible (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino64.jpg) (Garage Queen) Before Restoration (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino64a.jpg)
1965 El Camino (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino1b.jpg) (Daily Driver) Before Restoration (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino1a.jpg)
1981 Corvette (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino81.jpg) (Sidelined for repairs)

[This message has been edited by 65elcamino (edited 02-14-2002).]

Thanks for the info.